Goodluck Support Group (GSG), a non-government organization in support of President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda, congratulates all Nigerians of Islamic faith in the country on the successful conclusion of the 2013 Ramadan fast and marking of the year’s Eid-el Fitri.
In a statement signed by the Deputy National Coordinator of the group, Dr. Eddy Olafeso, the GSG urges all Muslims and other Nigerians to live up to the moral ideals and sacrifices symbolized by Ramadan fast.
According to him, “After spending a month-long of intense spiritual renewal, devotion, and self-denial, it is our hope that not only our Muslim brothers and sisters will continue to live up to the lofty ideals, but the entire country as well.”
The GSG extols the virtue of leaders and followers of Islam and Christianity in the country, who have continued to live peacefully with one another.
The statement added that “The unity of our dear country is of paramount importance to us, and that is why the GSG organised a special iftar (breaking of Ramadan fast) for both Muslims and Christians during the Muslim Holy Month.”
GSG calls on all Nigerians to continue to support the administration of President Jonathan, as it builds on the firm foundations for sustainable national development already established in areas such as public infrastructure, roads, transportation, aviation, agriculture, education,
healthcare, power supply, youth employment and electoral reform.
The group wishes all Nigerians home and abroad a happy and memorable celebrations.
Also,the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Nigerians to inculcate and sustain the lessons from the holy month of Ramadan in all facets of life so as to ensure a united and prosperous Nigeria.
The party in an Eid-El Fitri message signed by its Acting National Publicity Secretary, Barr. Tony Caesar Okeke urged “all Nigerians to eschew all forms of bitterness and violence and make room for forgiveness, patriotism, love and peaceful co-existence among themselves”.
“We cannot move forward or get to the promised land as a nation in the void of love, unity and patriotism. It is imperative that we eschew all forms of bitterness and unite as one people under God who in his infinite wisdom and mercy decided to bring us together.
“Our nation is replete with immense human and material resources but we can only harness them maximally for the overall benefit of the people if we learn to work together as a people and put the interest of the nation above personal or sectional considerations.
“Nigerians are known for rallying around their leaders at the time of critical challenges. We must therefore not allow the enemies of our dear nation who seek personal gains and stoke the fires of divisions and violence among our people to have their way”, the statement said.
The party also called on those behind the series of violent attacks and bloodletting in various parts of the country to use this year’s Eid-El Fitri to have a rethink and understand that life is sacrosanct and should not be taken by any person under any guise.
It wished all Nigerians a happy Sallah celebration and prayed for enduring peace in the country.
A former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, has equally congratulated Muslim faithful in the country on the successful completion of the annual Ramadan fasting.
In a goodwill message signed by his Special Adviser, Alhaji Oyekunle Oyewumi, Kalu said: “I join our Muslim brothers and sisters in celebrating yet another Eid-el-Fitr.
“It is my prayer that the God Almighty will grant you the blessings associated with the just concluded holy month.”
Kalu further stated that the festive season should be seen as a period for restrained and sober reflections and rededication to the service of God and humanity.
“The teachings and lessons of the holy month should be upheld and reflect in our daily lives,” he said.
Kalu commended the Muslim faithful for their commitment and steadfastness in completing the 30 days Ramadan fasting, describing their sacrifices and supplications as the ingredient for peace, unity and development.
